Third International Conference on Yak 2024 – Different Aspects of Research on Yak Animal

The third International Conference on Yak 2024 was held in Skardu. This  International Yak Conference focused on different topics of research on yak animal including yak breeding, yak feeding, management, and the importance of yak. It also focused on the importance of yak milk, yak meat and the wool of yak. Challenges faced by yak farming in Pakistan were also discussed. At the conference, Yak Association of Pakistan and Yak Youth Club were also founded.

The Department of Biological Sciences of the Virtual University of Pakistan and the Department of Zoology of the University of Baltistan Skardu organized this international conference on yak 2024. Department of Livestock, Dairy Development and Poultry Production Gilgit-Baltistan, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Nepal, and Yak and Camel Foundation (YCF) Germany collaborated for the third International Yak Conference 2024. The focal persons of the conference were Dr. Tanveer Hussain and Dr. Ghulam Raza. In the two-day conference, Pakistani as well as foreign experts discussed various aspects related to yaks. ​​

The chief guest of the conference was former Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University Dera Ismail Khan, Prof. Dr. Masroor Elahi Babar. Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Virtual University of Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Javed represented the Rector of the Virtual University of Pakistan. Dr. Alamdar Hussain and other faculty members also attended the conference.

Diversity and Importance of Yak Animal

Speaking in various sessions of the conference, experts said that there is a large number of yak breeds around Skardu. Yaks are raised like other livestock in Ganche, Rondu, Kharmang, Shigar, and other areas. Its largest population is in Shigar dominated by female adults. Furthermore, a large number of yaks are also found in Central Asia, Khunjerab, Haramush, and Tibet. China, Pakistan, Mongolia, Nepal, India, Afghanistan, and Bhutan are the countries with a yak population.

The yak animal plays a significant role in Pakistan’s high-altitude regions. Yak Farming in Pakistan provides crucial support to local communities, offering transportation, milk, meat, and wool of yak. Yaks have socio-economic importance. They are the source of livelihood and play a role in food security. Besides this, they also have cultural importance in Gilgit Baltistan.

Characteristics of Yak Animal  

Regarding the characteristics of yak animal, experts said that yak is a sensitive animal. In some characteristics, it is unique from other animals. Its hearing ability is very good. It is also familiar with the melody and rhythm of music. Yaks start shaking as soon as they hear a song. Experts said that yak has the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, especially extreme cold conditions.

Second Yak Conference 2022

Yak emits very little methane emissions compared to other animals. Adult yak bulls produce the highest hair fiber, while adult females produce less due to lactation.

They prefer seasonal migrations and habitat shifts, using scent marking and grooming to maintain social hierarchies.

Researchers at International Conference on Yak 2024

At the International Conference on Yak 2024Experts and researchers discussed yaks diet, nutritional requirements, care, milk, meat and wool production, yak animal genetics, health, and various diseases, as well as the social, economic, and financial importance of yak.

During the conference, Prof Dr. Atif Yaqoob, Prof Dr. Sajjad-ur-Rehman, Prof Dr. Shahid Mansoor, Dr. Muhammad Ali Hamza, Dr. Ali Mujtaba Shah, Omar Aziz, Dr. Saifullah, Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, Miss Rukhsana Batool, Miss Safa, Shakoor Ali, Dr. Qaiser Akram, Dr. Farhan Iqbal, Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain, Dr. Muhammad Salman, Dr. Syeda Maryam Hussain, Dr. Sarwat Halima Haider, Dr. Jamal Muhammad Khan, Dr. Muhammad Mudassar Sohail, Dr. Katharwan, Dr. Tariq Pervez, Dr. Takbir Ali, Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar, Muhammad Iftikhar Gul, Dr. Jamal, Dr. Muhammad Safdar and other experts presented their research work.

They discussed different aspects of research on yak including the importance of yak, challenges faced by yak farming in Pakistan, and products of yaks. They also highlighted the significant importance of milk, meat, and wool of yak at the International Conference on Yak 2024.

Dr. Ruijunlong, Dr. Pamela Burger, Dr. Bechi Mag, Dr. Zhao and other foreign researchers and intellectuals also spoke at the conference. Researchers from Mongolia, Nepal, India, China, Bhutan, Pakistan, Germany, etc. appreciated the organization of the conference. Internationally renowned researcher Tashi Doji from Nepal participated online and gave a detailed discussion about yak. ​​Abstracts from more than 70 researchers were received for the conference. More than three hundred participants were part of the International Yak conference 2024.

Yak Animal Products

Yak locally produces milk meat and wool. Due to these products, the importance of yak is significant. The wool of yak is a rare animal fiber. It is used in the textile industry for its warmth, durability, softness, and breathable properties. Its internal structure is similar to cashmere. Moreover, it is superior to other animal fibers. Melanin, found in yak hair, plays a significant role in its properties. When reduced by 70%, melanin content in the wool of yak improves its properties, making it a promising alternative for textiles. The wool of Yak is used in clothing, tents, ropes, and storage bags.

Workshop in Nepal on Sustainable Livestock

Yak meat is nutritious compared to the meat of other animals. Moreover, its milk is also nutritious, which is not consumed. Experts emphasized that there is a need to spread awareness about the benefits of yak milk and meat. Value addition in yak milk can be an innovative option for local economic support. For this purpose, community-based research and training are required.

Yak Farming in Pakistan and Challenges

Yak farming in Pakistan is facing challenges such as climate change, lack of proper policy, and lack of manpower due to youth migration. The younger generation, mostly educated, is leaving the industry. Community-based yak farming in Pakistan is seen as a solution to continue the sector in a sustainable manner. The local community of Misger Hunza has developed a successful model, with over 180 animals on their farm. This model could be implemented in other villages, involving educated young people, to create job opportunities and maintain the yak farming system

Climate change is another challenge for yaks. Changes in temperature and weather patterns are disturbing natural yak habitat. It is also creating health and breeding problems for yak. Moreover, urbanizing and development activities are decreasing land for grazing.

Competitions and Filed Day

On the occasion of the International Conference on Yak 2024, model and drawing competitions were also organized among students of schools and colleges. A scientific poster competition was also organized among researchers.

On the second day of the International Conference on Yak, a field day was organized with yak farmers in which farmers from different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan participated and expressed their views. They learnt different aspect of yak farming in Pakistan. They also found the real importance of wool of yak and other products. On this occasion, the conference participants got the opportunity to see yak up close and spend time with them. They were also made aware of the social and economic importance of yak. ​​

Yak Association of Pakistan and Youth Club

It should be noted that Dr. Tanveer Hussain founded the International Yak Conference in Pakistan and organized the first International Yak Conference in Lahore in 2021. The second conference was held in Skardu. This was the third International Yak Conference. Dr. Ghulam Raza from the University of Baltistan, Skardu, is the focal person for the International Yak Conference and he accompanied Dr. Tanveer Hussain on this trip. They are promoting research on yak. At the International Conference, The Yak Association of Pakistan and the Yak Youth Club were also founded.

What are some characteristics of yak animals and their significance?

Yaks are sensitive animals known for their good hearing and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, especially extreme cold. They are vital to high-altitude regions in Pakistan for transportation, milk, meat, and wool, playing an important socio-economic and cultural role.

What products are derived from yaks and how are they important?

Yaks produce milk, meat, and wool. The wool is notably valued for its warmth, durability, softness, and breathable qualities, making it useful in textiles, clothing, tents, ropes, and bags. Yak milk and meat are nutritious, and promoting their consumption can support local economies.

What challenges does yak farming face in Pakistan and what solutions were discussed?

Yak farming in Pakistan faces challenges such as climate change, lack of proper policies, youth migration, and decreasing land for grazing. A successful community-based yak farm model in Misger Hunza was discussed as a potential solution, involving educated youth to create job opportunities and sustain the sector.

What was the main focus of the Third International Conference on Yak 2024?

The main focus of the Third International Conference on Yak 2024 was on various research aspects of yak animals, including breeding, feeding, management, the importance of yak products like milk, meat, and wool, as well as the challenges faced by yak farming in Pakistan.

Who organized and collaborated for the Third International Conference on Yak 2024?

The conference was organized by the Department of Biological Sciences of the Virtual University of Pakistan and the Department of Zoology of the University of Baltistan Skardu, with collaborations from the Department of Livestock, Dairy Development and Poultry Production Gilgit-Baltistan, ICIMOD Nepal, and the Yak and Camel Foundation Germany.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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